Although at that time our positions were different and my actions were reasonable, Rhode still sincerely apologized to Simon.
Simon naturally wouldn't be upset about such matters; to him, Erza's rescue and her ability to escape the shadow of the Tower of Paradise are more important than anything else.
Of course, the other companions matter just as much.
Jellal, having suffered such an attack and experienced such a huge wave, is difficult to find back.
Erza felt deeply sad that she couldn't awaken him, and she was pained by his actions.
Simon also felt regret; after all, he was once their companion, once their spiritual pillar.
The two quietly refrained from mentioning his name, only silently gazing in the direction of the sea.
The recent meteors, Dragon Breath, and Magical Elf Power seem so vivid still, as does Jellal's frenzied expression.
Mira sensed the atmosphere was not good and suggested, "Why don't we head back to the hotel first? Everyone's injured and needs some bandages."
"Alright." Erza nodded and carried Xiu on her back.
Gray carried Wally, Natsu had already climbed out of the sea, dried his clothes, and then carried Mirena.
Rhode matched them one by one and asked Simon, "According to this procedure, should I carry you?"
Simon noticed Rhode was struggling to stand and waved his hand, saying, "No, it's okay, I'm fine."
"Oh." Rhode rested assuredly back on Mira's shoulder.
In appreciation of Simon's understanding, Rhode quietly said, "Just a reminder, don't let Erza bandage you later."
"Huh? Why?"
Rhode lamented, "A lesson learned in blood and tears."
Mira lightly slapped Rhode, "Don't make it sound so bad, it was a while ago, Erza might have improved, maybe."
Simon looked confused.
Jubia clasped her hands to her heart, staring closely at Gray's back: "Jubia wants to help Master Gray!"
Lucy said, "But he's not that seriously injured, right?"
Jubia stared at Lucy: "Rival."
Lucy couldn't comprehend her logic: "What now..."
Suddenly, Rhode, being supported by Mira in the front, turned back, "Hey, did any of you see Gray's pants? Help pick them up!"
Lucy looked repulsed, "Who wants to do that kind of thing?"
"Leave it to Jubia~!" Jubia displayed a somewhat abnormal smile, "Hehe, Master Gray's pants..."
"This feels slightly scary," Lucy quickened her pace, not wanting to walk alongside her.
Because of the commotion that evening, the hotel manager called in the nearby security team, and the Three-Plumed Crow had been carried away after nightfall.
Although Rhode left a note explaining the general situation, leaving them there naturally affected business.
It's now the middle of the night, and the staff have long since fallen asleep, fortunately, there are vacant rooms.
Pairing up in twos will do just fine.
Since Mira's room was damaged, Rhode reluctantly took her to his own room.
"Why are you smiling, hand it over." Mira grabbed the medicine box.
Rhode had been slashed twice by Pigeon earlier; though the injuries weren't severe, they were treated too casually at the time, and Mira wanted to help him clean and dress them again.
After treatment, Rhode moved his arm a bit, glancing at Mira's stomach, "How's yours? Still hurt?"
"I'm fine now." Mira had been sneak-attacked and punched by Eagle earlier, but now the pain was gone.
She slightly lifted her clothes, revealing a distinct bruise on her white belly.
"It's quite bruised, and you say you're fine." Rhode stood up, "I'll get a towel to apply for you."
Mira lay quietly on the bed while he busied himself.
After approximately ten minutes of applying, Rhode picked up the towel, only to have Mira grab his hand.
"Rub it for me a bit."
"Sure." Rhode leaned on the bed beside Mira, supporting himself with his right hand and gently rubbing her belly with his left.
Mira closed her eyes comfortably, enjoying the warm feeling of his hand on her stomach.
Sadly, their tranquility was soon interrupted by a knock on the door.
Even though they hadn't done anything untoward, Mira nervously straightened her clothes after rising. It would feel strange leaving a room together so late.
"Who is it?"
Without a care for the late hour, Rhode opened the door and looked around but saw no one.
A gentle, elderly, and kind voice sounded, "I'm here."
Rhode looked down, "Oh, President, why are you here?"
Mira patted Rhode's back, feeling he was a bit impolite just now.
Makarov's beard twitched slightly, "What do you mean why am I here, didn't you have Balrog request aid from the guild?"
"...That did happen, but the fight went so smoothly that I forgot."
Makarov seeing his expression had a rough idea of the outcome, but still asked, "How's Erza?"
"She's a bit injured, in that room." Rhode pointed, "I'll take you there."
Actually, no need to lead; although it was quite late, everyone was still alert after returning to the hotel.
The President's knocking had been heard by others, and one by one they emerged to greet him.
Rhode suddenly felt relieved, realizing one thing: the rooms here aren't soundproof.
Makarov was relieved when he saw the kids weren't seriously hurt, "Who could possibly abduct Erza?"
Everyone started chattering about the events.
"R System, Zikrein? Magical Elf Power?" Makarov felt a chill down his spine, they used Magical Elf Power!
He couldn't even imagine what would happen if the kids were hit by Magical Elf Power.
And could there be a mole among the Evaluators? No wonder Fairy Tail was frequently targeted!
Wait, that's not right according to Xiaoya, Zikrein often spoke in favor of Fairy Tail...
Is something off here?
How come it seems like they're involved with such dangerous figures?
"Anyway, as long as everyone's safe, that's what matters," Makarov smiled.
How remarkable, how remarkable, actually resolving such a significant issue.
This incident, if rated as a task, would be at least an S-Class Task, maybe even SS-Class.
Too bad no one issued a commission like that.
Even if they did, Mira might not take it, and Rhode might not want her to go.
What Makarov didn't know was Rhode had started to rethink.
After witnessing the Mountain Sub-Dragon's power, Rhode had thoughts of partnering up with Mira for an S-Class Task.
Previously, he didn't want to take it due to lack of strength and no pressing need for money, but now...
He and Mira's savings, with just one minimal S-Class Task, could build a home. They might even scrape enough to buy a ring and hold a wedding.
To Rhode, this was a huge temptation.
While massaging Mira's stomach, Rhode thought it over carefully and decided to cool down when facing the situation, at least until meeting the new friend the Mountain Sub-Dragon mentioned.
And for such a big decision, he would obviously seek Mira's opinion.
"What's up with them?"
Makarov noticed two people wiping tears silently in Erza's room, and a dark-skinned guy crying exaggeratedly on the ground.
"They are my former companions, who were deceived in the Tower of Paradise for the entire 8 years, only now finding the truth," Erza explained.
Makarov nodded, such pitiful children.
"President, I want…" Erza hesitated, "I want to introduce them to Fairy Tail for joining."